ADA, Wonderbox create comprehensive credentialing website

June 08, 2016

By Kimber Solana

In collaboration with Wonderbox Technologies, the ADA announced June 8, the creation of a new, centralized dental credentialing database, which was developed in an effort to help simplify the credentialing process and reduce administrative burdens for dentists.

The new technology, powered by the Wonderbox Technologies Enterprise System, allows member dentists to enter their credentials into a securely designed portal through ADA.org. This information will be available by request to all payers, including insurance companies, federal agencies, hospitals and employers.

The joint project replaces the current method where dentists must respond individually to each payer request for credential information — a process that can be slow, cumbersome and can take months for approval. The ADA Credentialing Portal offers a one-stop shop with accessible accurate information and supporting documentation.

Features of the portal include:

Dentists will find that his or her existing data within Aptify will have been prepopulated, and they will be able to edit this information and additional data.

Dentists will be able to upload supporting documentation.

Built-in reminders will be triggered to send dentists email reminders when any information is set to expire.

Beyond the need to update information, dentists will only need to enter their credentialing data once.

The creation of a centralized database stems from conversations with ADA members which found that the current method is time-consuming, and costly administrative burden takes away from time spent on patient care, said Dr. Kathleen O'Loughlin, ADA executive director.

"Building a centralized, comprehensive database as we have solves that issue," she said.

The service is free to ADA members. Payers can go to a separate ADA portal to download the information as raw or verified files for a nominal fee.

The ADA Credentialing Portal is now live and available for use. A soft launch will take place from June 20-July 15, which will consist of a pilot programs in Kansas, Nevada and New Jersey. Following the pilot test, a full launch, including a national marketing campaign will commence. The portal can be accessed directly from ADA.org via single sign-on.